What defines a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)?

• A. A disorder that affects a person's ability to learn specific academic skills
• B. A condition resulting from emotional disturbances impacting learning
• C. Learning challenges caused by socioeconomic factors
• D. A disability linked to physical impairments affecting educational performance

Answer: (A)

A Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is primarily defined as a disorder that affects a person's ability to learn specific academic skills. This encompasses difficulties in areas such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and mathematics (dyscalculia). The defining characteristic of SLD is that these academic challenges are not attributable to other disabilities, nor are they the result of instructional inadequacies or environmental factors.

This definition aligns with federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which focuses on the educational impact of the disability rather than other potential contributing factors outside of the learning process itself. Hence, the emphasis is placed on the specific nature of the learning difficulties that hinder academic success despite adequate instruction and intelligence levels.